Gaza Health System Overwhelmed by Surge in Casualties at Aid Sites

The health system in Gaza is facing a severe crisis as it becomes overwhelmed by a sharp surge in casualties, particularly around aid distribution sites. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) reported that its field hospital in south Gaza has recorded 200 deaths and treated more than 2,200 weapon-wounded patients since late May, with multiple mass casualty events occurring. This surge has forced all hospital staff to assist beyond their usual roles, including physiotherapists, cleaners, and midwives, to cope with the emergency response. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a US- and Israeli-backed private effort, began operations on May 26 to provide aid after a two-month halt in supplies, but has been marred by chaotic scenes and incidents resulting in over 500 deaths while people wait for rations, according to the UN Human Rights Office. Meanwhile, Israeli military strikes continue to target medical personnel and facilities, including the killing of prominent doctors and their families, further exacerbating the healthcare crisis. Gaza's health infrastructure remains on the brink of collapse due to ongoing violence and severe shortages caused by Israel's restrictions on goods and aid entry.